MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 22: Antonio Ruediger of Real Madrid celebrates after teammate Vinicius Junior (not pictured) scores his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Borussia Dortmund at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.

Rudiger, Valverde to start: Real Madrid predicted lineup against AC Milan

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Teams with a combined number of 22 Champions League titles will take the field in what is expected to be an epic clash between Real Madrid and AC Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Rodrygo returns to the squad but may not straightaway start this game, whereas Antonio Rüdiger is fully fit, having recovered from a potential niggle. 

It will also be interesting to see if Luka Modric starts because if the Croatian receives a yellow card, he will be suspended for the trip to Anfield.

Here is how Real Madrid can lineup against AC Milan.

GK: Andriy Lunin

The Ukrainian had an absolute howler in the El Clasico, not being able to get near to saving even either of the four goals. But tomorrow is a new day and he would be eager to show the world what he is capable of.

RB: Lucas Vazquez

Yet again, the Spaniard will start. No options in this position but Fede Valverde can help Vazquez instead of Jude. The 33-year old will have a task on his hands as he will have to deal with one of the best wingers in Europe, Rafael Leao.

CB: Eder Militao

Seemed good for the first half but a totally forgetful second half against Barcelona. But other than that, the Brazilian has looked in good touch this season and will be hoping to put last week’s display behind him.

CB: Antonio Rüdiger

Thankfully the German is fully fit and ready to go for this match as Madrid could not afford to lose a centre-back of his character. Rüdiger will have to be in top notch form as he will be up against an in-form Christian Pulisic and also Leao, who has a point to prove to his manager.

LB: Ferland Mendy

It could be argued that Fran García deserved a start here, but the pace of Milan right winger Samuel Chukwueze means the Frenchman starts this fixture. Mendy will be quite eager to turn this around in what has been a fairly below average season for him so far.

CDM: Aurelien Tchouameni 

This particular Frenchman also had a decent start in the last match but everything fell apart in the later half. With doubts surrounding his future, Tchouameni needs to show that he belongs at this club and is here to stay for a long time.

CM: Eduardo Camavinga

His name in the lineup is a no-brainer after the Clasico, as Camavinga was by far the standout player in that match. Has been in good knick and we can expect a good battle between him and Milan’s Youssouf Fofana in midfield.

CM: Fede Valverde

He was all over the place against Barca, in what may be his worst game in a Real Madrid shirt. But every day is a new day and the Uruguayan is expected to make things right and prove that the last match was just a bad day at the office.

CM: Jude Bellingham

Hopefully Carlo Ancelotti has learnt from his mistakes and does not start Jude on the right flank. Although the Englishman is yet to open his account this season, he has been the standout player in the midfield along with Valverde and has also combined well with the forwards. 

ST: Kylian Mbappe

Following last week’s horror show, Mbappe will have to do something to help put a bandage on the wounds of Madrid fans. No doubt about his quality, but the World Cup winner has blown hot and cold with either great performances and or completely bad ones – nothing in between. Milan’s defence has been vulnerable and Mbappe will look to take full advantage of that.

ST: Vinicius Junior

After not winning the Ballon d’Or, Vini posted a tweet saying that he would work 10 harder and “they are not ready”. This match may just be the start of something special for the Brazilian and presents yet another opportunity for him to live up to the big game player tag.

Tags Real Madrid vs AC Milan